Arts Academy Boarding School: Low Brass Major

Tom Riccobono, instructor of Low Brass at Interlochen Center for the Arts, discusses 4 steps to improving your Lower Register on the Trombone.

Tom Riccobono, instructor of Low Brass at Interlochen Center for the Arts, talks about techniques regarding both the Lower and Upper register on the Trombone.

Tom Riccobono, instructor of Low Brass at Interlochen Center for the Arts, teaches a few pointers in conquering the High Register on the Trombone.

Interlochen Arts Academy boarding high school offers student trombone, tuba and euphonium players a program of pre-professional music training and college preparatory academics. Students graduate well-prepared for the rigors of study at the university and conservatory level.

The low brass major requirements include:

Private Lessons

This course focuses on the fundamental basic technique of the instrument, development of expression and musicality, solo and ensemble performance skills and knowledge of genres and styles of music. Students are expected to practice a minimum of two hours per day on the assigned lesson materials. Progress within the student’s potential is demonstrated in private lessons, studio class performances and the semester jury. The student and instructor work towards specific short term and long term goals including recitals, college auditions and career choices.

Low Brass Studio

The Interlochen Arts Academy Low Brass Studio is a diverse group of individuals from around the world who share a passion for performance on trombone, euphonium, bass trombone or tuba. Led by Instructor of Low Brass Tom Riccobono, students are provided weekly lessons where they work on the fundamental basics and perform solos, etudes and orchestral repertoire. Weekly master classes give students an opportunity to perform for each other, work on orchestral and band section repertoire and perform chamber music. Our students are career driven and alumni are attending the major conservatories and universities schools across the nation.

Alumni have distinguished themselves internationally by winning solo competitions and prominent positions in major symphony orchestras.

College Matriculation

Class of 2016: Marco Gomez, Juilliard School of Music

Sophie Volpe, Eastman School of Music

Alan HaoNan Liao, Cleveland Institute of Music

Cole Foster, Lawrence Conservatory of Music

Jeremiah Rodgers, Crane School of Music, Potsdam

Logan Boyle, Driehaus School of Business at Depaul

Class of 2015:Cristina Dougherty, Colburn SchoolAaron Albert, Juilliard SchoolBrett Kelly, San Fransisco Conservatory of MusicAda Brooks, University of North TexasChristopher Colby, Dartmouth CollegeEdmond Strominger, University of New MexicoJay MacKenzie, Ohio State UniversitySam Silverman, University of MichiganSimon Lohmann, University of MichiganSomer Joe Hornbuckle, DePaul University

Class of 2008:Rick Thornton, University of MichiganEmily Hanley, Lawrence UniversityJon Guaer, University of North TexasZachary Guiles, Oberlin ConservatoryAlexis Smith, Manhattan School of MusicKevin LaRose, Michigan State University

Competitions and Jobs

2016Cristina Dougherty - Principal Tuba at Young Artists Symphony OrchestraJoseph Hudson - Won a position with the United States Air Force Academy BandAmanda Hudson - Principal Trombone of the New Mexico Philharmonic

2011Matt Lyon - Was hired as Assistant Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at Ball State UniversityAlex Walden - Accepted into the Curtis Institute of MusicAmanda Logue - Accepted into the Juilliard School

2010Emily Carter - Finalist in Young ARTS, Finalist in Leonard Falcone Solo CompetitionAlex Walden - Winner of Eastern Trombone Workshop Solo Competition and Finalist in Young ARTSNick Schwartz - Won bass trombone position in New York City Opera

2009John Whitener - Won Principal Tuba with the Royal Scottish National SymphonyNicole Abissi - Won Second Trombone with the Alabama SymphonyEmily Carter - Featured on 'From the Top,' Semi-finalist; Leonard Falcone Solo CompetitionCarol Jantsch - CD release, 'Cascades'

2008Kevin Sanders - Hired as assistant professor of tuba and euphonium at the University of MemphisJoseph Hudson - Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award, featured on NPR's From the Top on August 6, 2008Rick Thornton - Won a position with the Warren Symphony as prinicipal tuba. Finalist in the International Tuba and Euphonium Young Artist Solo Competition.

2007Ben Green - Won bass trombone position, Zurich Opera OrchestraNicole Abissi - Won position with the New World Symphony

2003-04Jonathan Lombardo - Concerto winner, Juilliard School of Music, performance with Juilliard Orchestra and on NPR's Performance Today. Also won the second trombone position in the Buffalo Philharmonic.Ben Green - Won the bass trombone position with the Hartford Symphony.Jordan Henry - Second place, student tuba division, 2004 Leonard Falcone Competition.Carol Jantch - First place winner at International Instrumental Competition Markneukirchen, the artist division at the Leonard Falcone Festival and the tuba artist competition at the 2004 ITEC, semi-finalist for the New York Philharmonic tuba audition.Andy Hunter - Finalist in Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition, held in Washington, D.C.